Monti di Villa

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

Monti di Villa is one of the higher villages in Bagni di Lucca at almost 600 metres above sea level. It is made up of 3 hamlets…Lugnano, the higest, Bugnano, the abandoned village, and Riolo. Today about 100 people live in Monti di Villa.

Lugnano, which is signposted Monti di Villa, sits along a ridge with mountains forming an impressive backdrop.

A narrow path winds its way through the village. Come for a walk to see Monti di Villa.

On one side of the village there are views across Bagni di Lucca, Lugliano is visible in the distance.

There are some pretty houses in Monti di Villa.

I love this staircase.

I spotted some interesting decorations.

I found a wonderful collection of doorways.

As usual I made friends with a couple of village cats.

On the other side of Monti di Villa there are views across to Veteglia and the mountains.

There is a large church at the bottom of the village. It was closed or I would have taken you inside.

There was a single yellow rose and a bush covered in brightly covered berries of some kind.

The village will look completely different in a few weeks when spring begins.

Pieve di Controne…second edition

Posted on February 23, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

Anyone who lives in Pieve di Controne…or has visited and fallen in love with the area…or has ancestors who come from the hamlets around Bagni di Lucca, will be interested in reading the second edition of Pieve di Controne.

First published in 1971, Pievano Don Elio Carlotti tells the story of the ancient parish of Pieve di Controne from its early inhabitants in the centuries before Christ, up to the years following WWII. He shares his love of these hill towns above Bagni di Lucca, its churches, ceremonies and its people.

The second edition has Don Carlotti’s text in both Italian and English. Genealogical trees for over 50 of the parish’s families have been expanded by Ann Barsi to include ancestors from the 1600s to the present day. New to the second edition are Family Pages submitted by the descendants of the Pieve community from around the world, showing us where they are now, and how they fondly remember their Nonni from the Pieve. Photos old and new give us a closeup look at the beauty of the Pieve di Controne.

All proceeds from the sale of the book will go to help fund the repairs to the Campanile at Pieve di Controne…an excellent reason to buy it…apart from the fact that it is a great read and of interest to anyone who loves this area. At one time Ponte a Serraglio and Chifenti were part of the Plebato of Pieve di Controne.

The book is €20 and is available from Claudio Gemignani in Gombereto and Andreina Bianchi at Via Tovani 19, Fornoli.

Or email Ann Barsi at abarsi@verizon.net

Snow on the mountain villages

Posted on February 15, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

Fornoli, Ponte a Serraglio and La Villa are the lowest of the villages of Bagni di Lucca at 120,130 and 150 metres above sea level. Montefegatesi is the highest, at almost 850 metres. The other villages are dotted around the mountains at various levels.

The recent snow melted fairly quickly in the low villages, but the roads to the upper villages were dangerous with snow and icy conditions for days. As soon as I thought it was safe I headed into the hills to see what was left of the snow.

Colle is the hill village directly in front of my apartment and it looked particularly lovely with its snowy cover as I set off.

The roads to the higher villlages are even more narrow than usual with their edges lined with snow.

Vico Pancellorum was enjoying a sunny day after the snow.

Looking the other way was a tiny village nestled in the shadow of a mountain.

Vico Pancellorum’s olive trees seem to have survived the snow.

The narrow streets haven’t had enough sun yet to melt the snow.

Goats hoping for some warmer weather.

There were some stunning views from the top of Vico Pancellorum.

On the way out of Vico Pancellorum I spotted some very colourful washing drying in the sun.

The ski lift looks as though it could be useful today.

I drove to San Cassiano next for some different views.

On the way back to Ponte a Serraglio I could see lovely Lugliano in the distance.

With a bit of luck I will get to some of the other villages while there is stil some snow lying around.

Evil ivy

Posted on February 8, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

Wherever I walk in the Bagni di Lucca and Garfagnana areas I see lovely old trees covered with ivy. Many people think this looks attractive, and while I think that ivy is a pretty plant, it is a pest when it wraps itself around trees. It eventually strangles the tree and kills it.

If the ivy is small enough and close enough I pull it off. The ivy on the tree below is now dying on the road beside the tree. I hate to see these trees destroyed.

Does anyone know why more isn’t done to rid the trees of this pest?

Cappella, San Cassiano

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

San Cassiano is made up of several hamlets. I decided to explore one of the upper villages, Cappella. Look for the sign on the left as you come towards San Cassiano from La Villa.

Cappella is a pretty collection of well kept houses under the looming, mist covered mountain behind it. Of course it is not always covered in mist, but on a chilly winter day it looks a bit spooky with its cloudy cover.

It is possible to drive up into the village, but I chose to leave my car at the bottom and walk up. Come with me and see Cappella.

I found a couple of lovely green doors for my collection as well as the little one above.

I think this must be the old communal water supply and washing area.

I love the old stone walls.

Some cachi were left behind on the trees.

I found an excellent renovator’s delight. It just needs a new roof and a little bit of work on the interior.

There is always a cat or 2.

And some interesting garden decoration.

The views are always wonderful from the mountain villages.

I want to come back to see the village in spring, when all the trees are green.

I spotted a sign for the next hamlet…another day.

Lucchio

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Debra Kolkka

Lucchio, at 780 metres above sea level, is one of the higher villages of Bagni di Lucca. Stone houses cling to the side of the mountain, making you wonder how on earth they were built all those years ago.

There is a ruin of a fortress at the top of the village. The fortress successfully defended the town against invaders in the centuries of fighting in the area.

We didn’t make it to the very top….next time

Of course there are magnificent views from the village.

Not many people live in Lucchio now, but the village is well preserved and there are some lovely buildings and well kept gardens. We spent an hour or 2 wandering (slowly, these streets are steep ) It is said that the hens in Lucchio lays square eggs to prevent them from rolling down the hill.

Don’t overlook Lucchio in your travels in Bagni di Lucca. It is the last village on the way to Abetone.

Thank you Italy Magazine for choosing Lucchio as the Best Single Travel Post in the Blogger Awards and thank you to all those who voted for Bella Bagni di Lucca.

Here are some other posts on Bella Bagni di Lucca you might find interesting.

An Old Tradition in Bagni di Lucca

A Pool with a View

Medieval Archery Competition

Meet Tina from Ponte a Serraglio

The Villages of Bagni di Lucca

My 2012 in Bagni di Lucca

Posted on December 29, 2012 by Debra Kolkka

I have spent 6 months in Bagni di Lucca this year. I have been to most of the villages that make up our community. Here is a look back over the year.

I arrived in February 2012 to very cold weather. There had been heavy snow in early February and there was still a little left when I arrived.

The edges of the river in front of my house froze.

I love winter in Bagni di Lucca, but when spring arrives it is magical.

There was some late snow in the mountains.

As the weather warmed up I had a great time visiting the mountain villages.

Sunset in Casabasciana.

The beginning of spring in Fornoli.

Montefegatesi in the spring sunshine.

A doorway in Granaiola.

Colle shines in the spring sun.

The pansies on the bridge at Ponte a Serraglio look cheerful.

The memorial for the fallen patriots in La Villa.

Geese in Longoio out for a walk.

Early morning at Ponte a Serraglio.

Looking down on Ponte a Serraglio.

Pears ripening in the spring sun.

The view from Bagni Caldi.

Early summer in Lugliano.

The view from upper Vico Pancellorum.

Picking cherries in Pieve di Monti di Villa.

Decorating the piazza in Brandeglio.

The gorgeous pool in La Villa.

The archery competition in La Villa.

Summer geraniums.

The beginning of autumn.

Grapevines near Longoio.

Lucchio appearing between the trees.

Chestnut time.

Autumn at the old station in Fornoli.

Porcini mushroom time.

The first snow of the season.

I left just as heavy rain began to fall in Bagni di Lucca.

My favourite post of the year was about Renzo, a shepherd we met tending his sheep. I love these chance encounters with Bagni di Lucca locals. Most are happy to take the time to talk about their lives in this gorgeous part of the world.

The most popular post was the one called Meet Emilio Ferrari. The post was Freshly Pressed ( featured by WordPress) early in the year. Emilio and his lovely wife Alfa (they drive a Fiat) has been read by thousands of people all over the world.

I will be back in Bagni di Lucca soon…..can’t wait.

Cocciglia

Posted on December 19, 2012 by Debra Kolkka

Legend has it that Cocciglia was built on land owned by a Roman settler named Cocilius. Only about 80 people now live in the village. It was once an important fortified town which guarded the road leading to Controneria, further up the mountain.
There is a short road to the village from the Brennero Road. On the way is a small church with an impressive bell tower.

The village comes into view just around the corner from the church.

There is also a view across to Pallegio.

There is a walking path opposite the church which appears to lead to the village above.

I took the easy option and drove up the road to the tiny parking area just outside Cocciglia. Come for a walk through the little village.

The church is right at the top of the village.

This is the stone over the door to the church.

On the way up to the church is this quaint statue.

I found the next colourful image on the front of a house.

I saw no people on my walk, but the village is obviously lived in. There are pretty gardens and the houses are in good repair.

The village is no longer isolated, but I can’t help thinking about the lives of people who lived here centuries ago. This place is tiny and life must have been tough. I hope the residents from the past occasionally had time to sit back and enjoy the view.

Pallegio

Posted on December 17, 2012 by Debra Kolkka

Pallegio has ancient origins. It was once a fortified stronghold guarding the Controneria area nearby. The village is not far from the Brennero Road towards Abetone.

It is a sleepy little village with 132 inhabitants. Come for a wander with me.

Like all of Bagni di Lucca’s mountain villages, there are wonderful views.

The narrow streets have many delights.

Soon it is back to the car park and time to say goodbye to Pallegio.

On the way back to the Brennero I found a road to the left and found what I think is the oratory of S.Maria della Quercia.

A little further on is a lovely wooded area and I found another renovator’s delight……there is a never ending supply of them in these parts.

Can you see yourself getting to work on this one?

Riolo

Posted on December 9, 2012 by Debra Kolkka

The road to Riolo is one of my least favourite in Bagni di Lucca. It is extremely narrow and winding, with little room to pass if you happen to come across another car. The entrance to the village is also narrow. I suggest parking in the area at the bottom of the village and walking up.

The sign at the entrance to the village suggests a low speed. I think this would be too fast.

The village is a pretty collection of houses, with some lovely decoration, and of course, there are wonderful views from the village. Like all of the villages of Bagni di Lucca Riolo has something different and special to offer visitors.